Flying

Jets.com-an online charter broker that allows customers to bid on flights-has bestowed its latest Circle of Excellence awards on eight charter operators, based solely on surveys its customers complete after each flight. Survey criteria included condition and cleanliness of the aircraft, amenities, crew performance, luggage handling and flight readiness.

A key advantage of owning an airplane is that it becomes an extension of your home. You can fill the cabin with all sorts of creature comforts, such as your daughter's favorite teddy bear or your son's video games. The cabin might also be host to one or more actual creatures, such as the prize Papillon dog your wife carries around in her large pink purse.

It took four years after the 9/11 attacks for the Department of Homeland Security to reopen Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to general aviation traffic. These days, though, flying a business jet into the heart of the nation's capital is easier than you might think.

The $47.95 million Gulfstream G550 mates the latest bells and whistles to an airframe-engine combination that can deliver eight passengers and a crew of four to destinations up to 6,750 nautical miles away. That's Tokyo to Palm Beach nonstop in 12.5 hours, with reserves.

Bombardier's Learjet 45 is a study in contrasts. It is a breakthrough aircraft that had a troubled and lengthy gestation period, and its operators have a strong love-hate relationship with the airplane and its product support.

The so-called "smart" window isn't really smart, but it may well offer a smart alternative to cabin windows with manually or electrically operated shades. With the touch of a button, the "smart" window goes from clear to opaque and back-or anywhere in between.

Fractional owners opt out of their contracts early for many reasons. You may have sold an out-of-town business and so charter or a jet card may better serve your reduced needs. Maybe you're flying more than you expected and it makes sense for you to purchase a whole aircraft.

When I founded The Air Charter Guide in 1985, almost all charter companies expressed prices in dollars and cents per statute mile to the destination, with the operator's cost to return included. Operators found it easy to present prices that way. And passengers could look at any map, see the distance to their destination and calculate the cost.

Quote/Unquote

“"Many years ago, our company founder, Al Conklin, sold a new twin-engine business aircraft to a very successful entrepreneur. He had established a bit of a rapport with the individual and, after the sale, asked him straight out, 'How can you justify the cost of this airplane?' His reply? 'What is the cost of a divorce?'"–David Wyndham, president, Conklin & de Decker”